The Crisis at Hand
The electrical industry is currently facing a critical shortage of qualified electricians, a situation that poses a threat to numerous sectors, particularly those involved in clean energy and infrastructure development. The 2022 Workforce Survey by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) revealed that 79% of firms are experiencing difficulties in locating electricians. This deficit comes at a time when a wave of seasoned electricians is reaching retirement age and there is a noticeable decline in new talent entering the profession. According to the Association of Builders and Contractors (ABC), the construction industry will need to recruit an additional 546,000 workers in 2023 to keep up with the demand for construction. This number is on top of the regular rate of hiring. These circumstances create a pressing need for solutions to sustain industry growth and support innovative energy initiatives.
The Heart of the Shortage
A combination of social trends and educational preferences has led to a scarcity of new electricians. Many young people are opting for four-year college degrees over vocational training, while Millennials and Generation Z are enrolling in college in higher numbers, often overlooking the skilled trades as a viable career path. The average age of a journeyman electrician is 44, indicating a workforce approaching retirement with few ready to fill the void.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic
The pandemic has only intensified these challenges. Training programs were interrupted, and the global supply chain disruptions affected the availability of essential materials. According to Pew Research, the percentage of individuals aged 55 and older who are retired has increased in both 2020 and 2021. The Pew Research also found that the current increase in retirements is significantly different from previous economic downturns, such as the great recession, when retirement rates actually decreased. The rise in retirement among older Americans is significant. Prior to the pandemic, adults aged 55 and older were the only working-age group that had seen an increase in their labor force participation since 2000. Moreover, construction delays and the increasing competition for jobs due to layoffs have created an even tighter labor market.
Projections and Future Implications
The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a 6% increase in electrician jobs from 2022 to 2032. With such a surge in demand, the electrical industry must take robust action now to prevent a shortfall of skilled workers that could stifle growth and innovation.
Initiatives to Bridge the Gap
Expanding the Talent Pool
Efforts are underway to draw talent from various sectors of society, including veterans, women, and formerly incarcerated individuals. By providing targeted training programs and collaborating with organizations that support these groups, the industry hopes to tap into a reservoir of potential.
Enhancing Benefits and Opportunities
Companies are incentivizing the trade through competitive pay, comprehensive insurance coverage, and generous retirement contributions. Additionally, they are considering strategic acquisitions to secure a workforce equipped with the requisite skills.
The shortage of qualified electricians is also driving surprising increases in salaries and opportunities for those who enter and excel in the field. Electricians earn an average annual salary of $55,477, according to PayScale. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that the top 10% of electricians make over $90,420.
Education and Promotion
A key strategy in combatting this shortage and to keep pace with the demand for electricians is to promote the electrician field within high schools, encourage participation in Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, and offer scholarships. The industry must also develop specific workforce training for high-demand areas like EV chargers and solar installations.
Access Electric's Role
Access Electric has taken a proactive stance by launching the Access Industrial Training school, which offers vocational courses and work experience to students. Collaborating with local schools, they seek to provide valuable hands-on experience to ignite students' interest in electrical careers.
Conclusion
The shortage of qualified electrical workers is an urgent issue with far-reaching implications. It's crucial that the industry act now, with a focus on education, training, and improved working conditions, to build a robust electrician workforce. This will not only support the burgeoning clean energy sector but also uphold the national agenda for climate change and sustainable development.
The shortage primarily stems from retiring veterans of the trade, the cultural shift toward four-year degrees over apprenticeships, and insufficient promotion of the trade to young students.
Increased demands for modern electrical infrastructure, such as EV charging stations and solar power systems, will drive the need for more electricians.
Strategies include expanding specialized training programs, improving compensation packages, forming partnerships with educational institutions, and boosting recruitment efforts in high schools.
The industry's response involves building training programs, initiating high school recruitment, and creating partnerships with vocational institutions to ensure a steady influx of skilled electricians.
Access Electric is actively developing a skilled workforce by building its own trade school, Access Industrial Training, through partnerships with other trade schools, apprenticeship offerings, and competitive benefit packages aimed at meeting the industry’s future needs.